How to make copies myself

[kostassk8]

How i to make a copy of a key myself?

[cppdungeon]

It isn't too hard. I'm assuming you don't have a key duplicator. first you take the original key and hold it over a candle, or rub soot on it. Then you take a blank, and you take the key you want to duplicate and you put them in a vise, or failing that hold them together, and file away at the blank until it matches the original. If you start to file the original, you will notice because it wont be black anymore, it will be shiny. I think you should use a vise because it makes your job much easier.

Good luck!

--Cpp

[kostassk8]

sorry i mean flat keys

[datagram]

sorry i mean flat keys

You want to manually duplicate a blank, basically?

dg

[kostassk8]

aahhh yeah if its easy?

[datagram]

aahhh yeah if its easy?

By hand is rather tough, but there are special machines out there that will duplicate a keyway for a given key. Overall, you're better off just buying the blank, if it is publicly sold.

dg

[kostassk8]

If i had a machine i wouldn't ask

[barbarian]

More exact information could help.

Did you want to copy a key for your house by hand ? Do you have a blank and a file ?

Did you want to create a key blank for a lock that you can't buy one for ? ( can be very hard )

Did you want a blank for a lock that you have no key for ? Just by looking at the keyhole ? ( very hard )

[kostassk8]

i want to copy a key for my house by hand

[barbarian]

This should be easy. Follow the instructions given above by cppdungeon.

Try to use a fine tooth file and work slowly. Be careful not to damage your original key. File a bit and then try it in the lock.
If you have a square file, it might work better for you.

I'm thinking this is an "ordinary" lock and key, not one of those dimple keys that look like someone started to drill a hole then stopped.
Also not for a disc lock. Those keys look like a nail with flat spots on it.

[kostassk8]

the key i want to copy is a diple key

[barbarian]

I don't think you will be able to copy a dimple key without special tools.

You would need some accurate measuring tools and a milling machine at least.

The problem is that the depths of the dimples is very important. You could not get this with a hand drill. The spaces between them are critical also. A milling machine can hold the tool exactly where it is needed and make the cut to the exact depth. We are talking the thickness of three pieces of paper for some of the keys. If they were wrong by more than that amount, they would not work.

[hydruh]

Aside from that, if you have a dimple key on your house, I am a monkey's uncle.

S

[kostassk8]

'
this is it